Point is, no matter what the ingestible versions of these treats do to your weight, blood pressure or bone density, the topical versions induce zero guilt — and serious beauty benefits. And some of these mesmerizing goodies even offer teeth-enhancing benefits if you do choose to please your taste buds. So it’s certainly time to indulge.

ChocolateLet’s start with the granddaddy of all treats (or great-great-great-granddaddy, if you consider the millennium-traversing history of chocolate consumption in Mesoamerica). “Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants, which can help reverse free-radical damage,” says New York City dermatologist Doris Day. “In addition, the inherent caffeine content has anti-irritant properties.” Hence cacao’s ever-increasing presence in body butters, balms and lotions.

But this treat is best served warm and liquid, massaged into your limbs, back and torso at a spa. One delicious interpretation is the Chocolate Experience at the Marquis Los Cabos resort in Baja California, Mexico. The highlight of this 80-minute treatment is a peppermint-infused chocolate envelopment that promises to increase endorphins.

Can’t get South of the Border? Slather on a cocoa-infused body butter after a warm shower to enhance absorption.

CoffeeCaffeine in coffee beans relieves skin irritation, just like chocolate. But coffee beans’ primary benefit to your skin is exfoliation — at least when they’re ground up and massaged on to your extremities, notes Day.

The most indulgent variation on the theme? The Xocol-Ha Wrap and Coffee Scrub at the Spa at Grand Velas Riviera Maya in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, where Veracruz-grown beans are ground to skin-stimulating perfection.

Sugar and SaltSugar and salt are excellent exfoliants, but the sweet stuff is better for sensitive-skinned people. “It simply dissolves as you scrub,” according to Day.

Salt treatments, by contrast, can dry you out, and are consequently good for oily or acne-prone skin. Psoriasis sufferers can benefit from salt as well. “Simply — and gently — working some coarse sea salt over pre-moistened skin in the shower should help,” says Day.

For a far girlier take on getting gritty, check out the Magnolia Sugar Scrub at the Spa at the Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans, where the granules in question are bathed in magnolia essence and various botanicals. Drug-store brand sugar scrubs can be used daily in your own shower for similar benefits at a little less indulgence.

Nuts“Nut extracts can be very hydrating to the skin,” says Day. Macadamia and almond — two of the most easily absorbed nuts — figure into many scrumptious skin treatments. One standout is the Ho’ala (renewing) service at the Four Seasons Maui, where your limbs are plied with a macadamia- and sweet almond-infused lavender body butter, among other delicacies.

At home, look for lotions or, if you have dry hair, conditioners that contain nut extracts. For a DYI take on conditioner, combine 3 ounces almond oil with 2 ounces olive oil and five drops of lavender oil in a bottle. Shake until the ingredients are well blended. Before you shampoo, apply as much of the mixture as necessary to coat your hair from mid-strand down. After five to 10 minutes, without wetting hair, apply shampoo directly to your hair to break up the treatment. Last, add water, suds up and follow with your usual conditioner. Repeat weekly or twice per week in case of seriously sapped strands.

Bonus!

It may be hard to believe, but science has found that some delectable treats can also improve your smile. Check out these fun facts:

Coffee drinkers are less likely to have a specific type of plaque built up on their teeth. Italian researchers point to the liquid’s tannins, which may act as a powerful plaque-blocker.

Cocoa contains a nutrient that can act as an inhibitor to plaque build-up, according to a landmark Japanese study.

About The Author

Cascia Talbert is a devout Catholic, mother of five children, health and fitness enthusiast, positive parenting supporter. She started the Healthy Moms Magazine in 2007 as a resource for moms. She is a featured blogger at wellsphere.com, often has her content featured on the popular news app, News360. The Healthy Moms Magazine was ranked the number one health blog for moms from RNCentral.com. Cascia also blogs at talbertzoo.com. She lives in the Chicago suburbs with her husband and five children. As a busy mom of five she understands how difficult it is for moms to find the time to take care of themselves. She has dedicated the past 8 years researching and educating herself on the latest in health, fitness and parenting so she can share what she has learned with others. Her first book, "Taking Care of your Family's Health and Well-being, Saints to Turn to and the Catholic Faith," is set to be released in March of 2018.